Lifestyle

Polo in the Park 2018

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Have you heard about the city’s most fashionable fundraiser? If not you’re missing out. I finally made it out to Polo in the Park this year and the event did not disappoint. The 2018 edition of this fundraiser which benefits Wounded Warriors Canada and the Rotary Club of Ottawa South was held on Saturday July 7th.

The Venue
I spent a lovely day outside at Wesley Clover parks. The event was so well organized and provided attendees with a relaxing and fun filled day in the park. There was visible signage as you approached the park entrance and a triage desk to direct drivers to the appropriate parking spots. The organizers even had golf carts to drive people from the parking area to the main event area.

The Experience
Tickets went on sale earlier this Spring and I just had to take advantage of the early bird pricing. The event offers many different ticket packages and options. I chose the VIP experience as I was taking advantage of the early bird discount. I must say it was well worth the extra cash. VIP guests had their own parking area closer to the event and golf carts to drive you up to the VIP tent. Inside the tent there were tables and chairs with goodie bags ready and waiting for us. Guests were presented with lunch and a tea service catered by the Brookstreet Hotel. The VIP tent also had the best views of the fashion show, hat contest and the polo match.

In addition to the polo there were also some vendors and stalls, a silent auction and a photo booth. This was a family and pet friendly event.

The Clothes
All guests were encouraged to put on their best hat and come out for a day in the park. There were so many people sporting stylish outfits and fascinators, it was a treat to see them all. The hat contest was a truly inclusive event which had many different categories including; DIY hat, Colts and Fillies (for kids), Dapper Dan, Too Hot to Trot and Hattitude. As I had opted for a more conservative look that day I did not enter the hat contest, although admission was included with my VIP ticket.

The Match
The main event was a battle of the sexes polo match between the ladies from Three Wild Women and the gents from the Ottawa Business Journal. This was a riveting experience for me as I’d never seen a live polo match before. The gents prevailed over the ladies in the end but the match was full of drama and excitement with some gents falling off their horses and some close calls where the score was concerned.

My Outfit
I opted for a more mainstream look for the event as this was my first year attending. I decided to wear my favourite polka dot dress from Suzy Shier which I paired with white wedges and a white fascinator. I brought along my picnic basket bag which I picked up on my latest trip to Sri Lanka as I thought it went well with the event and the venue 🙂

The Verdict
I loved attending Polo in the Park this year and I’m looking forward to the event in 2019. The event chair Monique and her team did a fantastic job putting this event together. Polo in the Park is something that’s definitely worth checking out if you live in Ottawa or are planning on visiting next Summer. What’s more fun than dressing up, enjoying some time outside, watching a polo match and supporting some great charities?!

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Fashion

Remembrance Day Fascinator

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Remembrance Day is coming up this Saturday and I’ve found the perfect fascinator for the occasion. I recently teamed up with Unique Accessories to show off some of their fabulous fall fascinators.

This gorgeous grey and black fascinator with red flowers is so fitting for remembrance day. The grey colour and black netting is reminiscent of trenches and barbed wire and the red pop of colour is symbolic of the blood that was shed during the world wars. The flowers also look a little like poppies, the international symbol for remembrance and veterans.

The hat itself is a one of a kind creation by Lilliput hats.This famous Canadian company is known as the milliner to the stars whose creations have graced the heads of celebrities such as Celin Dion, Whoopi Goldberg and Rachael McAdams to name a few. Lilliput hats was also the hat maker of choice of the late great Gord Downie . The front man for the band The Tragically Hip was known for the ornate hats he donned during concerts. It was such an honour to wear a piece made by such a well respected milliner. Although Lilliput itself is located in Toronto, Ottawans can choose from a wide selection of their products at Unique Accessories which is located in the Carlingwood Shopping Centre.

Fashion

Red and Black Fascinator

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I don’t know about you but I love fascinators! If you’re wondering just what a fascinator is . . . it’s basically a fancy headpiece or hat. Some fascinators even come with a hairband attached so you just wear it like you would a regular hairband. I find they add a touch of elegance and can dress up any outfit. Many people are apprehensive about wearing a fascinator as they think it’s either too ostentatious or old fashioned or they simply don’t have an occasion to wear it to. I think they’re great and can be worn to a high tea, summer party or even a wedding.

I recently teamed up with Unique Accessories to feature a few of their fabulous Fall fascinators. I’ve always loved this store because it reminded me of playing dress up as a child. I often go in an try on some of their hats or jewelry. The staff are always friendly and welcoming so it’s easy to get carried away and lose track of time. Unique Accessories is located in the Carlingwood Shopping Centre on Carling Avenue.

I especially liked this red and black fascinator because of its simplistic clean lines. I paired it with this red and black printed dress from Suzy Shier.  I thought this would be a perfect outfit for remembrance day as the black flowers on the dress look a little like poppies. The fascinator just adds a great finishing touch to this whole outfit. To pull the whole outfit together I added a bag from Michael Kors which I picked up last boxing day 🙂 Would you ever consider wearing a fascinator?